The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize budget and do not need wireless features or active noise cancelling, the Audio Technica ATH M30X could be the right choice, offering very good overall sound quality for music and TV while being less expensive. However, if you desire the convenience of wireless listening, the JBL Live 770NC would be more suitable. This model also includes active noise cancelling for better noise isolation, making it excellent for air travel. Comfort and sound quality are very good with both, but the JBL has better build quality and built-in controls. For those who often take calls or attend meetings, the JBL also has better microphone quality. Keep in mind, though, the JBL Live 770NC may be somewhat more expensive. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M30X
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JBL Live 770NC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.6/10
5.6/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for gaming, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3/10
5.2/10
The JBL Live 770NC and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Live 770NC is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9/10
5.9/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
TV and Video
7.9/10
5.8/10
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live 770NC is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
7.0/10
The JBL Live 770NC is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
76.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The JBL Live 770NC has 76 hours of battery life.
Cost
$69
$130
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $69 and the JBL Live 770NC costs $130.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.0/10
The JBL Live 770NC has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M30X or the JBL Live 770NC
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
110,300
Recommendations made
16,545
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.